our history

In the fall of 1986, Morgan Inniss and Craig Hickman, two college freshmen, noticed that there
was something missing from Harvard’s music community. Two lovers of R&B music, they wanted to
be part of an a cappella group that focused on soul, both in song choice and musical style.
Seeking to diversify the a cappella community, the two of them founded the Callbacks and the
rest is history.

Since that day almost 30 years ago, the Callbacks have grown in musicality, reputation, and
friendship. We have received national recognition for our unique and challenging arrangements
(6 Best Arrangement awards from the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella),
impressive soloists (2 Best Soloist awards from the International Championship of Collegiate
A Cappella and 3 Best Solo nominations from the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America),
and high quality of recording (consistent selection for Voices Only and Best of College A
Cappella compilation CDs). The Callbacks now tour annually to New York City and Puerto Rico,
perform at functions in and around the Boston area, and hold a concert in Harvard’s historic
Sanders Theater each semester.

Now well established as a premiere a cappella group, we continue to develop a broad repertoire
while maintaining our passion for music, friendship, and fun. (back to top)

performances

The Callbacks perform at a variety of venues throughout the year, including galas, business
conferences, bar and bat mitzvahs, high school workshops, campus events, and other private
functions. In addition to producing one main concert on campus each semester, the Callbacks
are available for hire to sing in and around the Boston area, and travel on charity tour to
Puerto Rico each January. Our performances range from short and casual to black tie affairs,
and we are happy to tailor our performances to suit any particular event. Some particularly
special past performances include singing for the United States ambassador while on tour in
Prague, serenading a couple at the moment of their engagement, and singing for a group of
kids at Children’s Hospital, San Juan. (back to top)

tours

The Callbacks go on tour each year in order to spread their music and grow closer in friendship.
For the last week of January break, the group ventures down to tropical Puerto Rico, where
they enjoy a vacation from the stresses of classes and the cold Boston weather. A charity
tour, the group spends a couple of days singing at convents, children’s hospitals, and other
nonprofit organizations. The group enjoys the island’s beaches, snorkeling, and nightlife
while also performing at a variety of venues. A true highlight of being a Callback, Puerto
Rico tour is something group members look forward to each year.

In November, the group travels to New York City for an extended weekend. On New York Tour,
the group bonds with new members, reconnects with alumni, and grows in friendship while
singing at a variety of venues. The past few years have brought us to Trump Towers, the
Harvard Club of New York, the Manhattan Jewish Community Center, South Street Seaport, and
more. We always conduct at least one high school workshop on this tour, as well.

In addition to these tours, the Callbacks take a brief ski trip each spring semester.
Singing in exchange for ski passes, we are able to enjoy (and embarrass) ourselves on the
slopes in one of our favorite brief getaways.(back to top)

praise for the Callbacks

"The Callbacks start with a bang and keep it coming the entire time. A pleasure to
listen to. They sing with such raw emotion and guts. I love hearing soloists like
this... it just doesn't get much better."

~ The Recorded A Cappella Review Board

The Callbacks in performance.

awards

"Jane Doe" on Sincerely
Selected for Voices Only 2009: The Best of Collegiate A Cappella CD